- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin || receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more, a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or more, or the taking of antihypertensive medicines. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower and maintain high blood pressure at safe limit so that important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys can be saved from damage.
There are many types of medicines used to treat hypertension, including:
ACE inhibitors medicines are used to treat a number of heart related conditions, like high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack and preventing kidney damage associated with hypertension and diabetes. ACE inhibitors medicines widen or dilate your blood vessels to improve the amount of blood your heart pumps and lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors also increase blood flow, which helps to decrease the amount of work your heart has to do.
Hypertension medicine with ACE inhibitors decrease certain chemicals that narrow the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through your body which lowers blood pressure.
Diuretics are usually recommended as the first line of therapy for most people who have hypertension. If one medicine doesn't work or is disagreeable, other types of diuretics are explored. Commonly known as "water pills" these medicines help your body get rid of unneeded water and salt through the urine. Getting rid of excess salt and fluid helps lower blood pressure and can make it easier for your heart to pump.
Beta-blockers are medicines used to treat hypertension. These medicines block the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart whic in turn reduces the work of the heart so that it requires less blood and oxygen. As a result, the heart doesn't have to work as hard, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Also used for treatment of abnormal heart rhythms that may too fast or irregular.
Calcium channel blockers are medicines which lowers blood pressure by slowing the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, which makes it easier for the heart to pump and widens blood vessels. The heart doesn't have to work as hard, and blood pressure lowers.
Hypertension could be easily cured if the reason behind it is diagnosed. Hypertension medicines are prescribed only after looking at the causes. The medicines to lower high blood pressure should be taken under strict consultation with doctor.
